'Allo 'Allo

My first visit to witness Comrie Drama’s production of ‘Allo ‘Allo, directed by Jenny Robb, was a riotous success, packed with quick wit, farcical fun, and pitch-perfect parody.

Set against the backdrop of occupied France, the company brought the beloved sitcom to life with energy, flair, and a strong sense of ensemble comedy. With its simple smart staging and strong cast, the performance captured the spirit of the beloved sitcom, delivering farce and much innuendo. Performed along two sides of Comrie White Church the production featured an open-plan layout with distinct set areas allowing scenes to flow fluidly from one setting to another. The main Café René took pride of place as the central playing area, complete with café tables and chairs, The immersive café-style audience seating brought viewers into the world, blurring the line between spectator and scene, and adding to the atmosphere and comedy. This dynamic configuration allowed for continuous action and added depth to the farce, with quick transitions and overlapping plots playing out across the venue.

John Hartman Moore charmed as the ever-flustered René Artois, anchoring the show with understated brilliance, managing the madness with perfect comic weariness, juggling mistresses, resistance plots, and German officers with deadpan brilliance. Jenny Robb delivered a hilarious turn as Edith, René’s tone-deaf wife, hilariously off-key and wonderfully oblivious, Susan Holoran gave a sultry and sassy performance as Yvette, maintaining strong comic chemistry with René. Braedán Paris stood out as the determined Michelle, embodying the spirit of the Resistance with sharp delivery and great comedic timing “I shall say this only once” was a highlight every time. Ian Lemon and Elaine Catton, as Colonel von Strohm and Helga, made a formidable comic pair, a deliciously absurd duo with excellent chemistry, their scheming perfectly contrasted with the exaggerated militarism. Neil Combe gave a larger-than-life performance as the flamboyant Captain Bertorelli, full of gusto and charm. Martin Robb was a deadpan delight as Herr Flick. David Kelly brought huge laughs as Officer Crabtree, expertly mangling the English language with joyful absurdity with spot on delivery and character. Craig Dobney as LeClerc, Jerry McPhail as Gruber, and Mike Owens as General von Schmelling rounded out the cast with strong character work and comic flair.

Direction (Jenny Robb): The production was fast-paced and well-staged, with clever use of entrances, exits, and comic reveals that kept the farce flowing. Costumes (Cathy Paris): Period-perfect and full of character with attention to detail adding visual depth and authenticity.

Lighting (Michael “Beanie” Smith) & Sound (Jason Redway): was well-timed for all cues and effects. Technically slick.

Comrie Drama’s ‘Allo ‘Allo was a laugh-a-minute triumph, filled with memorable characters. The clever use of space, the dedication of the cast, and the commitment to character and comedy made for a production that was as warm and charming as it was side-splittingly funny. A most enjoyable night.

Thank you for the warm welcome and excellent night of entertainment.

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